A mentally ill man tried to set fire to a house by throwing a Molotov cocktail at the door, a court heard.

The property in Cherry Avenue, Swanley, was saved from going up in flames by a quick-acting neighbour.

Home alone at the time was 12-year-old Oliver Halford, who was unaware of the drama outside until he was told by the neighbour, Tony Gregory.

The culprit, Scott Green, was wearing a crash helmet, which saved him from serious injury when it was engulfed by the flames.

The 40-year-old, of Chantry Avenue, Dartford, was spared jail after a judge heard he was receiving treatment for his mental health condition.

He admitted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered and was sentenced to a community order with three years supervision.

"flames shot into the air, engulfing his head and upper body…” – keith yardy, prosecuting

Keith Yardy, prosecuting, said it was a sad and difficult case. It was fortunate that only minimal damage was caused.

Mr Gregory had been working on his drive in the early afternoon of October 10 last year when he saw Green walking along wearing the helmet and black leather jacket.

Green approached the fence of the house and leaned over.

“Flames shot into the air, engulfing his head and upper body,” Mr Yardy told Maidstone Crown Court. “He had thrown something towards the house. He got on a silver moped and rode off.”

Mr Gregory noted down the registration number and then rushed over to find the fence alight. He threw dirt on it to put it out.

A bottle containing petrol was lying close to the door. Police found Green’s fingerprints on it.

Mr Recorder Simon Taylor QC told Green it was a serious case as lives were put at risk.

“This could have been a case dealing with a real tragedy,” he said. “You knew there was a risk. A sentence of imprisonment running into years would be justified.

“But with a great deal of hesitation I have decided a non-custodial sentence is justified in your case.

“Given the gravity of the offence and risk to life you posed, there will be some who consider that a lenient sentence.”

Recorder Taylor said Green would have to undergo mental health treatment. He was banned from going to Swanley for two years.